AVOID HEALTH HAZARDS IN PORTION OF SLATE CREEK DUE TO POTENTIAL THREATS OF RAW SEWAGE

September 14, 2020

Media Contact: Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, robert.parker@vdh.virginia.gov

AVOID HEALTH HAZARDS IN PORTION OF SLATE CREEK DUE TO POTENTIAL THREATS OF RAW SEWAGE

(LEBANON, Virginia) — The Virginia Department of Health recommends that people and pets avoid contact with a portion of Slate Creek in Buchanan County due to an ongoing sewage overflow from a broken sewer main that was damaged by recent flooding.

This health advisory extends along Slate Creek from the intersection of state route 83 and Bluegill Road downstream to the creek’s confluence with the Levisa River at the intersection of routes 83 and 460 in Grundy, in Buchanan County. The length of the affected waterway is approximately 3.4 miles.

Swallowing contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. Contact with contaminated water also can cause infections of the ears, nose, throat and skin.  For your safety, humans and pets should avoid contact with the affected portions of Slate Creek until the sewer main has been repaired and the advisory is lifted.

Warning signs will be placed at access points along the affected portions of the creek until the advisory is lifted. A copy of the signs is attached.

For more information on recreational water safety, call 276-935-4591 or see “Safely Enjoy Virginia’s Natural Waters” at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

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